Interesting points, hadn't really thought about filtration extending brass lifespan that much. Wonder if anyone's noticed a big difference in water pressure or flow rate between ceramic and brass cartridges? Wouldn't wanna sacrifice shower quality just to save a few bucks...
From my experience, the difference in flow rate between ceramic and brass cartridges is generally negligible, provided they're both quality components. I installed ceramic cartridges in my own shower about two years ago, and honestly, didn't notice any drop in pressure or flow. The key is checking the flow rating specs beforehand—some cheaper ceramics might restrict a bit more, but reputable brands usually match brass performance closely. Just double-check those numbers before you buy...
